Asia attractions

In the Western Ghats region of Kerala, this tranquil reserve is known for its biodiversity. People come to Periyar National Park to spot sambar deer, langurs, otters, elephant herds, and the elusive Bengal tiger, while birders flock to Periyar for kingfishers, herons, and hornbills. One of the park’s star attractions is Periyar Lake, where animals come to drink.

The first of its kind in Thailand, Phuket’s Upside Down House (Baan Teelanka) defies gravity by letting you walk on the ceiling and climb the walls. It might feel mind-bending as you grow accustomed to the strange sensation of having the floor above and the ceiling below, but once you do, you’ll emerge with a collection of snaps that’ll take social media by storm.

Located along the Huangpu River near downtown Shanghai, the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal is conveniently located for cruise ship passengers to disembark and make the most of their shore time. From the port, it's easy to explore the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, both one of the largest and most popular cities in China.

Sri Lanka’s largest salt swamp, Muthurajawela Marsh, is a protected sanctuary in the western Negombo region that covers 7,580 acres (3,068 hectares). The coastal region is a biodiversity hot spot: It's home to almost 200 varieties of plant life and even more fauna, from monkeys and water monitors to crocodiles. Birders can try spotting some 100 avian species.

Although the history of the North Delhi neighborhood of Majnu Ka Tilla (Majnu’s Hill) dates back hundreds of years, Tibetan refugees settled there in the 1960s, hence its moniker “Little Tibet”. Now, it’s the place to go in Delhi to sample Tibetan food, visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples, and shop for Himalayan trinkets.

Thanks to the road that has been hacked through the limestone cliffs above, Pandawa Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. A broad sweep of golden sand with a surf break on the offshore reef, it’s particularly photogenic during the dry season, when paragliders swoop and soar overhead in the afternoons.

A somber, sacred spot, the Phnom Sampeau Killing Caves pay tribute to the victims of a Khmer Rouge massacre. Killers bludgeoned men, women, and children above, then hurled their bodies through a hole in the cave roof. Today, the main cave contains a tiled floor, a golden Buddha, and a glass-walled memorial housing skulls and bones.

Singapore’s first marine park, the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park spans the two “Sisters’ Islands” (Pulau Subar Laut and Pulau Subar Darat) as well as reefs off St. John’s Island and Pulau Tekukor. A turtle hatchery and coral nursery help rehabilitate the waters, while dive trails and intertidal guided walks keep visitors informed.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage Site—is the oldest hill passenger railway in the country. The 55 miles (88 kilometers of track connecting New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling opened in 1881, and the trip up to Darjeeling has changed little since the first journey.

Drive from Jaisalmer toward the Pakistan border, and you'll eventually reach the Longewala War Memorial. This memorial marks the spot where the 1971 Battle of Longewala, a key early battle in the Indo-Pakistan War, took place. Here, you can see ruined tanks and visit a museum with exhibits focused on the battle and the war.

Experience the ultimate indoor LEGO®adventure at LEGOLAND®Discovery Center Osaka. Located inside Tempozan Marketplace, this interactive LEGO-themed entertainment park lets kids and adults build, explore, learn, and play in a 3,400-square-foot (316-square-meter) space full of games, displays, workshops, rides, and a 4D cinema.

Off the coast of Siargao in the Philippines, Guyam Island is an uninhabited slice of paradise, with powdery white sands, turquoise water, and a cluster of palm trees in its center. But unlike the surf breaks and swells surrounding Siargao, Guyam’s waters are warm, calm, and ideal for swimming.

What might seem like an ordinary stone tower in Gyeongju is actually the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia. The observatory is famous among South Koreans and a proud historical landmark, while visitors are sure to find the symbolism of its construction interesting and its immediate surroundings incredibly scenic.

There are more than 1,300 Sengen shrines in Japan—Shinto shrines dedicated to volcanoes, often Mt. Fuji—but the Fujisan Sengen Shrine (Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha) in Fujinomiya is the most important. In the past it was the traditional starting point for climbing the mountain. Now, the ancient shrine is a beautiful place to wander—whether or not you plan to climb Mt. Fuji.

About an hour's drive north of Gaya in the hills of Makhdumpur, the Barabar Caves are believed to date to the third century AD, making them among the oldest rock-cut cave temples in India. They’re worth visiting if you’re already spending time in Gaya or Bodh Gaya and want to deepen your knowledge of Buddhist history.

Surrounded by Iriomote’s dense jungle are the Pinaisara Falls, a torrent of water said to resemble an old man’s beard as it gushes down from a height similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. For many visitors, though, the real highlight is the trip there, kayaking through mangroves and trekking through jungle to reach the falls.

Located in northeast India’s lush Assam state, this protected wildlife reserve is most famous for its population of one-horned rhinos. With around 100, it has one of the largest densities in the world. Other resident animals include leopards, wild boars, deer, and water buffalo. You can also spot hundreds of migratory birds, making this an excellent spot for birdwatching.

India might not be well-known as a winemaking country, but Nashik’s Sula Vineyards is working to change that. It was the area’s first winery, established in 1999 by a Nashik native who saw the region’s potential after studying in California. Now, the company produces a variety of award-winning red and white wines, and offers accommodation packages, tours and tastings, two restaurants, and a wine store.

Few religious structures in India are as immediately recognizable as the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, a 10-story sandstone wonder with exaggerated erotic carvings that could make the most world-weary traveler blush. Among India’s greatest monuments, Kandariya Mahadeva is the largest of the ornately decorated temples in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in northern Chengdu, Wenshu Monastery (Wenshu Yuan) is often regarded as the best-preserved Buddhist temple in the city. Originally known as Xinxiang Temple, the Buddhist center was later renamed after a 17th-century monk who famously inhabited the monastery. Wenshu Temple features an 11-story iron pagoda—the largest of its kind in China.

Kampong Ayer is a huge floating village in the Brunei capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, with 42 stilt villages that are home to more than 30,000 people. The village is a must-see during your time in the capital, as this traditional way of life still remains strong in the community.

Jam-packed with blaring bars, street food stalls, and massage parlors, Khaosan Road is the epicenter of Bangkok’s backpacker scene. The strip reveals Thailand's capital at its boldest and brashest, with flashing neon signs, erotic shows, and scorpions-on-sticks. And while it might not be the most authentic side of Bangkok, it's worth visiting just to experience the electric atmosphere, which reaches its peak after dark.

A cluster of amusement activities set in Komtar—Penang’s highest building—the TOP Penang encompasses everything from an aquarium to an exhibit devoted to the notoriously stinky durian fruit. Most travelers come for the Rainbow Skywalk, a glass skywalk perched 68 floors above George Town; tickets include the air-conditioned observation deck on the 65th floor.

With over 1,000 birds including more than 100 different species ranging from colorful parrots and hornbills to giant ostrich and peacock, Phuket Bird Park offers a comprehensive introduction to Thailand’s exotic birdlife. Visitors can see the birds show off their natural skills during a live show and feed them under supervision from the staff.

Backed by the soaring pinnacles of Petronas Twin Towers (Petronas Towers), Kuala Lumpur’s signature sight, Lake Symphony creates an arresting display at night, as lights illuminate the dancing fountains and jets of water swirl and spray like steam from a dragon. You can catch one of five evening performances: Two offer sound and light, while three have light effects only.

Hong Kong Central, as the names suggests, is the main business and commercial district of Hong Kong Island. One of the earliest areas to be developed, today Central is a heady mix of new and old, packed with skyscrapers next to historical landmarks, swanky malls near traditional shops, and a constantly evolving retail, dining, and nightlife scene.

The gateway to the Vietnamese city once known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Cruise Ports sit along the Saigon River and serve as jumping-off points for exploring the nation's largest and most dynamic city. Ocean cruises normally dock at Phu My and sometimes Cai Mep, both about 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of the city, while river cruises typically dock at My Tho, about 47 miles (75 kilometers) to the south.

Kobe Port Tower—nicknamed “Steel Tower Beauty—is a crimson tower built in an hourglass shape resembling a Japanese hand drum, called a tsuzumi. Situated in the Central District, the tower rises 354 feet (108 meters) above the city, and is known as the symbol of Kobe. Visitors come here for the panoramic sightseeing decks and rotating bar.

Tucked away in the forest near the New Furano Prince Hotel, Ningle Terrace features a series of 15 small log cabins where local artisans make and sell their crafts, along with offering hands-on workshops. Connected by a wooden plank trail, this small but charming village is ideal for strolling, shopping, and taking photos.

Itchiku Kubota was a renowned 20th-century textile artist who revived lost kimono-dyeing techniques. This museum in the Mt. Fuji area displays some of his wonderful textile work, and the setting itself is an attraction, with buildings made of wood, limestone, and Okinawan coral, surrounded by beautiful gardens and red pine forest.